Broncos name Trevor Siemian starting quarterback

Trevor Siemian will start at quarterback for the Broncos when the defending Super Bowl champs host the Panthers to open the 2016 NFL season on Thursday, Sept. 8.

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak told the team of his decision Monday morning, according to DenverBroncos.com. Siemian, Mark Sanchez and rookie Paxton Lynch were told the news by Kubiak before the rest of the team was informed.

Siemian and Sanchez were considered "neck and neck" by Kubiak at the end of OTAs and through the first few weeks of training camp, but — to continue the horse racing analogy — Siemian put a head in front during training camp and the team’s first three preseason games.

Kubiak wanted to announce his starting QB now, as he is not expected to play his first-teamers in Denver’s preseason finale, Thursday at Arizona.

With Siemian named the starter, Broncos observers turn their attention to Sanchez, as some speculate he’ll be left off the final roster entirely. In fact, after news of Siemian getting the starting nod broke, Pro Football Talk reported Denver is trying to trade Sanchez.